New way to Learn Photography online (free resource)

[EatMyShot]

There are some good free photography tutorials can be found online. This website stands out because of a brilliant design for learning environment: it just launched in 2010: check it out: www.LearnMyShot.com (http://learnmyshot.com/)

p.s. I helped co-founding this site and I am proudly sharing the link with this community because I believe it is a great free resource that will greatly benefit its members. New lessons will be added weekly.
Please let me know what you think!
:lust
Here are some recent lessons (updated 07-23-10)

Telephoto Lens (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Telephoto-Lens-Perspective-Compression-and-the-Angle-of-View) Phenomenon (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Telephoto-Lens-Perspective-Compression-and-the-Angle-of-View)

http://www.learnmyshot.com/photos/026-telephoto/026-telephoto_post3.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Telephoto-Lens-Perspective-Compression-and-the-Angle-of-View)



Long Exposures (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Long-Exposure-Photography-with-Sparklers-and-Fireworks) with Sparklers (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Long-Exposure-Photography-with-Sparklers-and-Fireworks)

Portrait in Direct Sunlight (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Photograph-a-Portrait-in-Direct-Sunlight-with-Pop-up-Flash) with Pop-up Flash (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Photograph-a-Portrait-in-Direct-Sunlight-with-Pop-up-Flash)

How to Photograph Flowers (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Flower-Photography-with-Natural-Light-using-Extension-Tubes) Macro Photography (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Flower-Photography-with-Natural-Light-using-Extension-Tubes) with (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Flower-Photography-with-Natural-Light-using-Extension-Tubes)extension tubes (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Flower-Photography-with-Natural-Light-using-Extension-Tubes).

Projecting Light for Creative Effect (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Projecting-Light-for-Creative-Effect)

How to photograph Toddlers (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Photograph-Children-basics-of-Child-Photography)

How to Photograph FIRE (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Photograph-Fire)


Thank you!

[rainbow]

Welcome to DGrin!

I just spent 15 minutes at your site and was impressed. I recommend other DGrinners check it out just to see the simple studio lighting setup. The learning videos are short, very well-done, and simple to follow (and mimic). I have bookmarked the site to see what else they add in the coming weeks.

Thanks for sharing this. Good luck in the venture.

[The_Fat_Zebra]

I:clap your websiteand will definitely be coming back there in the future. Thanks for this initiative!

[Snowgirl]

I:clap your websiteand will definitely be coming back there in the future. Thanks for this initiative!

Ditto!

[TEphotos]

:clap Love it!! And will be checking it out more often!

[EatMyShot]

Thank you guys so much for such a wonderful feedback.
We just posted a new lesson:
It's a very basic tutorial on How to Use Close Up Tubes as an inexpensive alternative to a macro lens: How to shoot Macro with Close Up Tubes (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Macro-Photography--How-to-photograph-using-Close-Up-Tubes)

[captain78]

Nice site...I just signed up.

[Eddy]

I am very impressed and the macro teaching is very good, seeing that i am really interested in macro photography.
Thanks alot Good work
eddy

[EatMyShot]

Thank you so much for great feedback. We just posted a new lesson: How to photograph a River Landscape (http://www.learnmyshot.com/River-Landscape-Photography----How-to-photograph-moving-water) Please check it out and share your comments.

http://keentype.com/pic/River-pic.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/River-Landscape-Photography----How-to-photograph-moving-water)

[TangoJuliet]

Logged in!

[DeeCajun]

This is great!! Simplified shooting roaring water for me .. thank you :thumb

[ole doc]

very worthwhile site. Thank you.
Nick

[Photometric]

Nice site...I just signed up.

+1

[cr8ingwaves]

Great Stuff.
Just signed up as well. Look forward to more!!

[The_Fat_Zebra]

Thank you so much for great feedback. We just posted a new lesson: How to photograph a River Landscape (http://www.learnmyshot.com/River-Landscape-Photography----How-to-photograph-moving-water) Please check it out and share your comments.



These are useful little tutorials. if I may I suggest another one that could be highly beneficial to amateurs: a video on 'dragging the shutter' in indoor low-light shooting. [edit: using flash, obviously] Although a simple concept, it took me a while to figure out settings on that one, and your style of tutorials would be perfectly suited to explain this concept.

[JDouglas]

Nice videos. It would be a nice site too, if you'd get rid of the data mining activities. With no video playing, the site uses 20-25% of my CPU communicating with tubemogul.com and whatever else is going on in the background.

[EatMyShot]

Nice videos. It would be a nice site too, if you'd get rid of the data mining activities. With no video playing, the site uses 20-25% of my CPU communicating with tubemogul.com and whatever else is going on in the background.
Actually there is absolutely no data mining activity at all. Tubemogul is a common video view counter that comes with video plugin. It helps us see where our videos are played and how many times. But it doesn't use much of cpu. video plug -in uses cpu for playback (and while on pause). And that's the reality with any video plug-in. try to go on youtube and the cpu usage will probably be much higher comparing to our site.
The bottom line is that we do not mine for data and would never engage in any dishonest activity - we hate that stuff. If you would like to discuss this topic in greater detail please contact us via contact page on our site.
Thanks

[EatMyShot]

Thank you ALL for signing up and welcome aboard. Choo-choo

we have a lot of fun videos coming up - we shot a dog last week and a goldfish today.... (the dog was much better at taking direction) :ivar

These are useful little tutorials. if I may I suggest another one that could be highly beneficial to amateurs: a video on 'dragging the shutter' in indoor low-light shooting. [edit: using flash, obviously] Although a simple concept, it took me a while to figure out settings on that one, and your style of tutorials would be perfectly suited to explain this concept.
Thanks for a great advise, I love that idea.

[EatMyShot]

We just posted a new Tutorial: How to photograph a dog (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-photograph-a-Dog)
Using Clamp Lamps was very effective because some animals get scared of flash. Check it out let me know what you think:
Here is the final shot:
http://keentype.com/pic/frm-dog.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-photograph-a-Dog)

[choudhrysaab]

Thank you! will look at it in details later.

[frg]

that looks really good, thanks for sharing :clap

[Snowgirl]

So far I've watched all of the videos and learned a little something from each.

Now - about shooting the dog:wink

Kidding. Actually, my poor mutt gets used as a model on a regular basis. He's very tough to shoot - black with dark eyes. Same problem with my horse. Black. Getting the exposure right on either of them is STILL a challenge.

[EatMyShot]

Kidding. Actually, my poor mutt gets used as a model on a regular basis. He's very tough to shoot - black with dark eyes. Same problem with my horse. Black. Getting the exposure right on either of them is STILL a challenge.
Hello Ceci, thanks for your feedback. I noticed that you shoot your dog and horse outside on the snow a lot. The contrast of white snow and black animal is very high and it is difficult to expose. I would recommend to photograph early in the morning or early in the evening, when sun (the light source) is hitting the surface at a lower angle. thus there will be less light reflected off the surface (snow) while the subject will be fully lit. Use spot metering to take a reading off your subject and you should end up with properly exposed black dog/ horse and still get some detail in the snow.
I hope this helped!

[NeilL]

I didn't join because I couldn't without giving personal information which I didn't think was relevant to you.

Neil

[Rhuarc]

Just signed up. Great resource! I second the suggestion for some video tutorials based around flash!

[EatMyShot]

Just signed up. Great resource! I second the suggestion for some video tutorials based around flash!
Yes top pints. We will introduce flash soon in about a month or two. We just started with something that everyone can afford. Please note that we use exactly same lighting set up as if we would with flash. So if you use flash you can still learn the concepts of lighting from existing lessons.

Niel- when you sign up we only ask name, email, country, dob, gender. It's a standard sign up form. We send out a pretty cool newsletter with new lessons I would hate for you you to miss out. you can also follow us on twitter for updates as well @learnmyshot if that's easier

Thanks

[NeilL]

Yes top pints. We will introduce flash soon in about a month or two. We just started with something that everyone can afford. Please note that we use exactly same lighting set up as if we would with flash. So if you use flash you can still learn the concepts of lighting from existing lessons.

Niel- when you sign up we only ask name, email, country, dob, gender. It's a standard sign up form. We send out a pretty cool newsletter with new lessons I would hate for you you to miss out. you can also follow us on twitter for updates as well @learnmyshot if that's easier

Thanks

Standard it might be, but that doesn't necessarily make it acceptable. What do you absolutely need to know about me? Nothing, I suggest. If you are offering a newsletter and I agree to receive it you only need an address to send it. If however you are grazing for people's location, age and gender you are doing it for other reasons, eg to sell to advertisers. Not all of us want to be used that way. Make the info you really don't need to send the newsletter optional, not compulsory. I suggest that would give a different tone to your site.

Neil

[EatMyShot]

Very good point Neil. Thank you very much. I didn't think about it that way. I think it's a great idea.

[EatMyShot]

Just added a new Video! Simple elegant still life of White on White. Please let me know your thoughts.
How to photograph White on White (http://http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-photograph-White-Still-Life-on-White-Background)
Here is the final shot:
http://keentype.com/pic/frm-white.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-photograph-White-Still-Life-on-White-Background)

[Bayer-Z28]

Answered my water shooting question.. Thank you much!:clap

[Dee]

Why?

I almost didn't join because it wouldn't allow me to submit unless I put my birth date in. It's really none of your business how old I am. Now, should I lie and put in some younger or older date, or put in a totally wrong birthday? I'd like to know why you insist on a birth date please...:scratch

I am following you on twitter, so be sure to remember to use it to indicate updates, because otherwise I will probably forget I even joined.

I do appreciate the lessons and videos and found them all quite interesting.

I find your use of vellum very interesting, and was horrified when you ripped one to shreds to let some beams of sunlight in, but the effect was excellent.

However, not everyone has the stands and extension arms you use. Can you do a video on how to purchase and use this equipment? The same with the mirror you used, and how you position your foam core boards...

[EatMyShot]

I almost didn't join because it wouldn't allow me to submit unless I put my birth date in. It's really none of your business how old I am. Now, should I lie and put in some younger or older date, or put in a totally wrong birthday? I'd like to know why you insist on a birth date please...:scratch Dee- Thank you very much. Knowing average age of our members helps us to understand our audience better. It comes in handy when we plan new lessons, or adding new features to the site.
If sharing age is an issue you can put the age you feel you are -> I think that still would be honest. Another option is RSS feed -> "latest lesson" window has a rss icon. By subscribing to rss feed you will get emails when the new posts are live and for rss you do not need to share any information. We always post updates on twitter as well.

Great question about the equipment we use. We received a bunch of emails with similar requests. So in a few weeks we are going to make a separate video where we will explain about all the gear we use. Including stands, clamps etc....
Thank you for your input and support!

[Dee]

I just don't "get" RSS at all. Twitter works, I "get" twitter, LOL...

[NeilL]

Dee- Thank you very much. Knowing average age of our members helps us to understand our audience better. It comes in handy when we plan new lessons, or adding new features to the site.
If sharing age is an issue you can put the age you feel you are -> I think that still would be honest. Another option is RSS feed -> "latest lesson" window has a rss icon. By subscribing to rss feed you will get emails when the new posts are live and for rss you do not need to share any information. We always post updates on twitter as well.

Great question about the equipment we use. We received a bunch of emails with similar requests. So in a few weeks we are going to make a separate video where we will explain about all the gear we use. Including stands, clamps etc....
Thank you for your input and support!

To be honest, I think the reason you give for wanting to know people's ages is nonsense. Can *you* tell someone's age by looking at their photography work?

You haven't come clean whether you sell this personal information to advertisers and the like. You run this enterprise like a business, so I wonder what is the recompense for you? There are many thousands of photo tutorial sites, all of them are supported by advertising.

What I am saying has nothing to do with the quality and value of what your site offers, which seem to me to be quite high. But your site is not free, you are asking people to pay with the personal information you require from them. Your Twitter and RSS stats, though they don't contain the same personal information as in your joinup form, do contain information about phone and IP, and the number of people in your audience, all useful to advertisers etc.

You need a privacy statement.

Neil

[EatMyShot]

To be honest, I think the reason you give for wanting to know people's ages is nonsense. Can *you* tell someone's age by looking at their photography work?
.......
You need a privacy statement.

Neil
We do not share any info with any third party. Nor use it for any monetary gain. We also keep all the content available for FREE and you can access it without signing in! Joining has benefits such are newsletter and ability to ask questions / comment, and promote your own site in your profile etc.. but it is not mandatory.
We are not against advertising. But we just do not want to disturb the clean design and concept of the site. Our source of income comes from our well established photography businesses in NYC and Connecticut.
You made a great point about privacy policy statement. I will add it to the site in the next few weeks.
I understand now that it is a very important issue.
Thank you very much!

[Bayer-Z28]

Need some night shot vids. Need help with stars.

[PJSheaPhoto]

Good stuff! I'll be back soon. :clap

[EatMyShot]

Just posted a new Lesson, faster cut and with Music !
Let me know how do like the new approach:

check it out: How to photograph Aquarium Fish (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Aquarium-photography-How-to-photograph-your-goldfish-in-tank)

here is final image:
http://keentype.com/pic/fish-pic.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Aquarium-photography-How-to-photograph-your-goldfish-in-tank)

[JohnBiggs]

I've noticed the videos have been slow to come, but I like them. I will check out the new format when I get home.

[DeeCajun]

The videos are great.... The fish one was well done...


More please!! :nod

[EatMyShot]

Here comes the new one: :D
Video: How To Photograph Classic Still Life with Natural light (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Classic-Still-Life-photography-with-Natural-Light)

one of the final shots below:
http://keentype.com/pic/natural-llight-still-life-frm.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Classic-Still-Life-photography-with-Natural-Light)

[The_Fat_Zebra]

Look at all the chemical residue from spraying on the pear! :wink

[EatMyShot]

A new lesson:
video: How to Photograph Highly Reflective objects (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-photograph-Shiny-Reflective-Objects-Silver-Chrome-Metal)
Shot:
http://keentype.com/post-images/shiny-objects-post.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-photograph-Shiny-Reflective-Objects-Silver-Chrome-Metal)

[D'Buggs]

http://keentype.com/post-images/shiny-objects-post.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-photograph-Shiny-Reflective-Objects-Silver-Chrome-Metal)


This shot ROCKS!

[EatMyShot]

This shot ROCKS!THANKS!
Here is a new one.

Video: How to Create Sunshine Effect in Studio with Artificial Sunlight
(http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Create-Sunshine-Effect-in-Studio-with-Artificial-Sunlight)
Here is the final shot:
http://keentype.com/pic/sunlight-effect-flk-opt.jpg

[EatMyShot]

This is the video to show up close most of the equipment we used in our tutorials: check it out:
VIDEO: Lighting and Grip Equipment for Clamp Lamp Studio (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Lighting-and-Grip-Equipment-for-Clamp-Lamp-Studio)

Please let me know what you think? :dunno
Cheers

[EatMyShot]

Newest Tut:
Video: How to Photograph Fire: (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Photograph-Fire)
here are some final images:
http://keentype.com/pic/fire.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Photograph-Fire)

this one with hue adjusted for purple love
http://keentype.com/pic/fire--purple.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Photograph-Fire)

Let me know how do you like it. Please suggest ideas for new lessons. Thank you! :D

[TangoJuliet]

OK, after seeing the color adjusted shot, I'm really interested in trying this. That is really cool!

[stradivarius]

Wow I've always wondered whether or not I should spend some money on some basic tutorials, but by chance came across your site. It's great! Thank you so much!!

[chuckorc]

Newest Tut:
Video: How to Photograph Fire: (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Photograph-Fire)
here are some final images:
http://keentype.com/pic/fire.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Photograph-Fire)

this one with hue adjusted for purple love
http://keentype.com/pic/fire--purple.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Photograph-Fire)

Let me know how do you like it. Please suggest ideas for new lessons. Thank you! :D
Great tutorial! Some good tips especially for me, since my flames always tend to come out flat.

[sapphire73]

Here comes the new one: :D
Video: How To Photograph Classic Still Life with Natural light (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Classic-Still-Life-photography-with-Natural-Light)

one of the final shots below:
http://keentype.com/pic/natural-llight-still-life-frm.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Classic-Still-Life-photography-with-Natural-Light)

I've enjoyed browsing through your tutorials, including this one. I've focused primarily on outdoor photography but am intrigued by what can be done with enhanced lighting indoors. (I did sign up but agree that it would be ideal to make more of the fields optional.)

Thanks!

[tatunka2135]

Ha! Just signed up too! Great info on that site and fun to cruise. See you around.

Tat

[EatMyShot]

Thank you Guys, welcome aboard.

[photobug]

To be honest, I think the reason you give for wanting to know people's ages is nonsense. I suspect it's because they need to know the age range, in order to sell advertising. The advertisers want to know who they're pitching to.

And/or it clues the site producers in w.r.t. their audience demographics, so they can slant the examples to appeal to that age group(s). ...Although, who your audience is versus who you're targeting is a bit of chicken-and-egg. Business-wise, esp for a new endeavor, it makes more sense to choose a target audience, then go after it.

I have no objection to collecting my (approximate ;-) ) age, as long as it is used in aggregate form (but that hasn't been stated).

Another possible use is that if any photographs/lessons (for example) involve nudes, those might not appear for members under the requisite age. But it doesn't sound like age is being used that way right now.

You need a privacy statement. Yep, that would take care of any questions / objections. Easy fix. And every web site should do that.

[EatMyShot]

I agree we need privacy statement. We are unrolling some new features to the site in a next few weeks and will add Privacy statement. A few folks raised this issue earlier, I am sorry we've been slow to respond. But it's in the works. Million thanks for helping us make it better!

[EatMyShot]

New Tutorial:
How to Photograph Using Projected Gobo Light (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Projecting-Light-for-Creative-Effect)
here is the final image:
http://keentype.com/post-images/021-projection/Projected-light-post.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Projecting-Light-for-Creative-Effect)

let me know what you think. Do you use Gobo projected light in your photography ?

[Vich]

I just signed up and watched the first 2 videos. EMAILed the link to a buddy I just sold my 30D to as his first camera. He'll be jazzed.

If I were to suggest anything it would be an HD option.

Thanks for doing this. Can't wait to give these a try!

[heatherjo811]

Standard it might be, but that doesn't necessarily make it acceptable. What do you absolutely need to know about me? Nothing, I suggest. If you are offering a newsletter and I agree to receive it you only need an address to send it. If however you are grazing for people's location, age and gender you are doing it for other reasons, eg to sell to advertisers. Not all of us want to be used that way. Make the info you really don't need to send the newsletter optional, not compulsory. I suggest that would give a different tone to your site.

Neil


I personally don't mind a little info. Gender, age, location is hardly kept top secret anywhere. Besides, if it will help you provide relevant, useful free info to me... then I think it's fine. Don't like it, don't do it. I just don't understand wasting energy to complain about it.

[EatMyShot]

Hello Folks,
We have some new exciting news:
1. We added a new feature now you can upload your shot directly into comments (using "share your shot" link) If you tried any of the tutorials and got a good shot or got a really bad one, please post it for us to see.

2. Privacy policy is UP !!! I hope that will clear the waters. Thank you for your advise i think it was a good idea to add it to the site !!!

3. We have a few new lessons up:

Video: How to photograph Flowers Close up with Extension Tubes (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Flower-Photography-with-Natural-Light-using-Extension-Tubes)
shot:
http://www.learnmyshot.com/photos/Flowers-023/flowers-macro-post.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Flower-Photography-with-Natural-Light-using-Extension-Tubes)

and

Portrait in Direct Sunlight Light with Pop-Up Flash (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Photograph-a-Portrait-in-Direct-Sunlight-with-Pop-up-Flash)

shot: (Robert's Self-Portrait): :rofl
http://www.learnmyshot.com/photos/Pop-up_Flash-024/on-camera-flash.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/How-to-Photograph-a-Portrait-in-Direct-Sunlight-with-Pop-up-Flash)

Thank you for your Support. Let us know what you think!

[EatMyShot]

Howdy Folks,
We have a new tutorial: that demonstrated the technique of perspective compression:
See article and Video:

Telephoto Compression Phenomenon (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Telephoto-Lens-Perspective-Compression-and-the-Angle-of-View)

image:
http://www.learnmyshot.com/photos/026-telephoto/026-telephoto_post3.jpg (http://www.learnmyshot.com/Telephoto-Lens-Perspective-Compression-and-the-Angle-of-View)

full shot:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4819993662_b347a0f314_z.jpg

Do you use telephoto compression in your work?

[Ridgetop]

Just forwarded your site to my brother in law who is really getting into photography now. I think he'll be quite happy to view your videos.